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Bowl of roasted tomato pasta topped with grated Parmesan and fresh basil.

Roasted Tomato Pasta Sauce

This roasted tomato pasta sauce is made with sweet roasted grape tomatoes, onion, and garlic, then blended into a silky, flavorful sauce with fresh basil and Parmesan. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's an easy summer dinner that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs tomatoes grape or cherry
  • 1 sweet onion sliced into quarters
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 3 tbsp olive oil extra virgin, divided
  • 1½ tsp salt
  • 10 oz dry spaghetti or your favorite pasta

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 475°F. Add 2 pounds grape tomatoes, 1 quartered onion, and 2 garlic cloves to a large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, sprinkle with 1½ teaspoons salt, and toss to coat.
  2. Roast for 15 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst and the onions are tender and lightly caramelized.
  3. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water. I recommend 1 tablespoon of salt for a pot of water for cooking the pasta.
  4. Once slightly cooled, blend the sauce. Transfer the roasted tomatoes, onion, garlic, and all of the juices from the baking sheet to a blender. Blend until smooth, adding the reserved pasta water ¼ cup at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
  5. Combine. Return the drained pasta to the pot or a large skillet. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the pasta and toss. Pour the roasted tomato sauce over the pasta and toss until evenly coated.
  6. Finish and serve. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn fresh basil to taste. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and an extra drizzle of olive oil, if desired.

Notes

I recommend 10 ounces of pasta for the perfect sauce-to-pasta ratio. Use 8 ounces if you love extra sauce or stretch it to 12 ounces for a lighter coating.